Business: Solid Signs of Revival

IT is very possible that a surprisingly strong upturn is now under way
in the nation's business. Like flowers popping up through the snow,
many signs of a resurgence are appearing:  Christmas sales are
particularly brisk. Compared with last year, retail sales rose 11 % in
the first week in December and 9% in the month's second week. Says
Macy's President K. Wade Bennett: "So far, it's the best Christmas in a
long, long, long time."

> Housing starts in November ran at a record
annual rate of 2,316,000, all but ensuring that...